Accidents on golf courses

Accidents on Golf Courses: Understanding Liability, Risk, and Legal Remedies

Golf has long been regarded as one of the safest recreational sports, attracting millions of players worldwide. However, golf courses are far from accident-free.

Every year, players, spectators, employees, and visitors suffer injuries ranging from minor slips and falls to life-changing trauma caused by golf balls, golf carts, defective equipment, or hazardous course conditions.

For legal professionals, insurance specialists, and personal injury experts, golf course accidents present unique challenges because they often involve questions of negligence, assumption of risk, premises liability, and comparative fault.

Unlike many sporting activities where participants knowingly accept certain dangers, golf course injuries frequently arise from preventable hazards that course owners, operators, or other individuals could have avoided.

This article explores data on golf course accidents, the most common causes of golf course accidents, the legal principles governing liability, potential compensation, and preventative measures that reduce the likelihood of injury.

Are there any influential golf course statistics?

In a 2017 study reported in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine, cited a 2009 paper that there were more than 40000 golf-related injuries treated in US Hospital Emergency Departments.

Across 1990-2011 the estimated average was 30,158 emergency department treated golf injuries per year although only 5.9% of those patients were admitted to hospital.

An old Insurance report cited in the Irish Times Report estimated that 65,537 golf related hospitalisations in Britain over the period 1988-1995 – about 8200 per year but this was not based on NHS data.

A more recent study by Compare Golf Insurance questioned 1,706 UK golfers about their experience playing. It was found that 1 in 10 had been injured with 20% of those having been severe or life threatening.

Almost one quarter of golfers worried about being hurt whilst playing.

“Bunkered” reported that 20% of golfers had either injured someone or come close to doing so which is over 327,000 people nationwide.

Even more golfers interviewed (36%) had witnessed another golfer being injured on course.

The British Journal of Sports Medicine revealed that the risk of injury among amateur golfers was between 15.8% and 40.9% on an annual basis while the lifetime incidence of  injury was reported at between 25.2 and 67.7%.

In professionals the rate was even higher at 31% - 90% annually and 31 – 88.5% over a lifetime. That means that 7 in 10 amateurs and 9 in 10 professionals would suffer a golf-related injury in the UK at least once in a lifetime.

A study by the Norwegian School of Sport Science on golf related injuries found that lower-back injuries accounted for 15.2 – 34% of all golf injuries whilst 7 – 27% were related to elbow and 4 – 19% to shoulder whilst injuries to the wrist were reported at 10% of all golf injuries.

Reports on Lightning deaths in the USA for the period 2006-2016 showed that lightning strikes were responsible for the deaths of 9 people.

The above numbers make no reference to injuries sustained from errant shots and balls exiting the boundaries of the course.

What can be done to address the problem?

For Clubs with more than 5 employees in the UK, a Risk Assessment is legally required.

Risk Assessments generally consist of two sections – Design and Operational Assessments.

A qualified or experienced Risk Assessor would normally be used to carry out the Assessment. From experience it is amazing that so many Risk Assessments are obviously carried out by Assessors who have no understanding of design risks on either golf courses or ranges.

Few of the Assessments which have been examined have understood golf course maintenance or the specific risks involved.

In some situations, golf clubs have sought to avoid costs by downloading generic risk assessments which often fail to provide suitable and sufficient assessments.

Risk is generally assessed as Likelihood x Severity and it is thus in order to understand the likelihood the Assessor has a detailed understanding of the situation and potential results from not addressing a risk. The risks in a shipyard are very, very different to those which exist on a golf course.

How can you understand the risks?

It is normal to analyse the safety issues in any situation and in order to do that the situation is often compared to the guidance or legislation available. This may be carried out across a whole course or in a specific location and often is described as a Safety Audit but requires a detailed knowledge of golf and the operation of a golf facility to be able to create a good quality Audit.

Who governs Health and Safety on golf courses?

The responsibility for standards of Health and Safety at Golf Courses and Practice Ranges in England and Wales is shared between 

• a property owner,

• golf club or course operator,

• driving range owner or operator, 

• The Health and Safety Executive (HSE),

• and Local Authorities.

More detail about legislation and responsibilities can be found in an article entitled "Safety Legislation" on the Insights page

Is there industry guidance to help?

There are no legal standards involved in course design and thus designers have to rely on industry guidance.

Golf Course Design – Safety Guidelines and the EIGCA guidance on course design (which are both very similar) are often quoted in accident cases. If situations meet the guidance, Courts have accepted that the criteria for “reasonably safe” conditions have been met.

Where situations breach guidance, Courts have needed to be convinced that Owners, operators and designers have exercised the necessary Duty of Care in relation to those using the facility.

There are legal requirements such as the COSHH Regulations which carry legal weight.

Having identified the risks involved, a well-constructed Assessment would identify the person responsible for action and the priority / timescale for the work.

Most Golf Clubs take safety reasonably seriously but the lack of understanding of the risk of accidents often means that accidents occur and only then does the club understand that there was an accident waiting to happen.

Trying to rely on statistics – “there have never been any accidents here before” is no defence when reasonably safe conditions have not been achieved.

By tracking the route of all those visiting or working on a course or driving range it is possible to understand whether they were

• competent visitors or employees

• given any safety information

• provided with details of specific risks which may be encountered

• required to play by the Rules of Golf

What happens in the case of bad weather?

In some cases, there are generic risks such as bad weather, lightning, steep slopes and steps whilst other risks may be specific such as deep water and rock faces.

At the same time bad weather can really affect the number of errant shots in high winds, the number of slips and falls on the course and the number of deaths from lightning strikes. Operating policies become very important.

With a large number of hospitalisations being related to heart problems, the ability to react quickly with an on-site defibrillator can really save lives.

Operating policies also need to deal with golf carts. When carts first became common on courses, many clubs introduced driving tests and age restrictions for drivers.

These seem to have disappeared with most clubs relying on drivers having driver’s licences as proof of competency.

Policies on overloading and seat belt use can reduce both the likelihood and severity of accidents

Only with a detailed understanding of the design of golf courses, the landscape and the operation of a golf course can all the risks involved on a golf course be identified and addressed.

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON ACCIDENTS ON A GOLF COURSE? 

Injuries Caused by errant golf shots

Perhaps the most recognizable golf-related injury involves a person being struck by a golf ball. Professional golfers can drive a ball at speeds exceeding 160 mph, while recreational players frequently generate speeds capable of causing severe injuries.

Golf ball injuries commonly include:

• Head trauma

• Facial fractures

• Eye injuries

• Dental damage

• Brain injuries

• Lacerations

• Internal injuries

Liability often depends on whether the golfer acted reasonably.

For example, failing to shout "Fore!" after an errant shot, intentionally playing before the group ahead is safely out of range, or taking reckless shots may constitute negligence.

Are golf cart accidents common?

Modern golf courses rely heavily on golf carts, but these vehicles create their own set of hazards.

Common causes include:

• Excessive speed

• Sharp turns

• Overloaded carts

• Driver inexperience

• Mechanical failure

• Brake malfunction

• Poorly maintained paths

• Alcohol impairment

Golf cart accidents frequently result in:

• Broken bones

• Concussions

• Spinal injuries

• Shoulder injuries

• Soft tissue damage

Potentially liable parties include the driver, the golf course operator, the cart manufacturer, or maintenance contractors depending upon the circumstances. 

More detailed information on golf cart accidents is discussed in another article in Insights entitled "Golf Cart Accidents".

Why are slip, trip, and fall accidents common?

Golf courses contain numerous walking surfaces with varying terrain, including:

• Wet grass

• Bridges

• Clubhouse entrances

• Parking lots

• Stairs

• Cart paths

• Locker rooms

• Restaurant facilities

Slip-and-fall incidents often stem from:

• Uneven pavement

• Hidden holes

• Poor lighting

• Loose surfaces

• Inadequate drainage

• Ice accumulation

Under premises liability law, golf course owners generally owe lawful visitors a duty to maintain reasonably safe premises or at least warn of known dangers.

What are maintenance equipment injuries?

Greenkeepers routinely operate powerful equipment such as:

• Ride-on mowers

• Tractors

• Aerators

• Utility vehicles

• Excavators

• Forklifts

• Chain saws

Improper operation or poor scheduling can expose golfers to flying debris, equipment collisions, or chemical exposure during pesticide or fertilizer application. With increasing electrification, electrical staff training is becoming more important in avoiding high voltage electric shocks.

Employees themselves also face occupational risks requiring compliance with workplace safety standards.

They may be at increased risk when working on a golf course unless policies are set requiring golfers to give priority to staff.

What are water hazard accidents?

Water features enhance a course's appearance but may present dangers including:

• Drowning

• Slippery banks

• Hidden drop-offs

• Poor rescue access

Older golfers and individuals attempting to retrieve golf balls may face increased risks around lakes and ponds. Life-saving equipment should always be at hand near deep water.

What are the insurance considerations?

Several insurance policies may respond following a golf course accident.

Potential coverage includes:

•  Commercial general liability insurance

•  Property insurance

• Golf course operator liability

• Homeowners' third party liability insurance

• Automobile insurance (for certain golf carts and situations)

• Workers' compensation

Coverage disputes frequently arise regarding policy exclusions, comparative fault, or intentional misconduct.

Coverage can also be an issue where, for instance, in a golf cart accident the driver was insured under his homeowner’s policy, the cart was insured by the golf club and the cart was owned and insured by a leasing company.

Arguments between insurers can be a real issue. Early review of applicable policies is therefore critical.

What compensation is available to injured victims?

Where liability is established, injured individuals may recover compensation for both economic and non-economic losses.

Economic damages often include:

• Medical expenses

• Future treatment costs

• Rehabilitation

• Lost wages

• Reduced earning capacity

Non-economic damages may include:

• Pain and suffering

• Emotional distress

• Permanent disability

• Loss of enjoyment of life

• Scarring and disfigurement

In particularly egregious cases involving reckless or intentional conduct, punitive damages may also be available depending on the applicable law.

What can be done to manage risks on a Golf Course?

Golf course operators can significantly reduce accident risks through proactive safety measures. Recommended practices include:

• Regular inspections

• Prompt risk elimination or at least mitigation

• Adequate lighting

• Warning signs

• Proper maintenance

• Safe pathways

• Secure bridges and railings

• Scheduled maintenance

• Employee safety training

• Clearly marked hazards

• Regular equipment servicing

• Emergency response planning

• First aid preparedness

• Compliance with local Health and Safety Regulations

• Ensure that any Risk Assessment is suitable and sufficient.

• Monitor progress towards mitigating, ameliorating or eliminating risks.

• Ensure Risk Assessments are reviewed and updated whenever there are significant changes to the course or driving range and at least annually.

• Warn golfers of risks.

• Provide safety information / instructions.

• Ensure there is always someone responsible on duty.

• Have a medical evacuation plan.

• Provide staff with mobile phones where there is coverage to enable emergency services to be alerted.

• Ensure that all staff are trained in First Aid

• Have a defibrillator on site and train staff in its use.

• Ensure that a member of staff trained in First Aid and use of defibrillator is always on duty

• Ensure that visitors are competent to use the facilities safely.

• Ensure that the Club has a cart usage policy / driving test. Promulgate a Policy dealing with procedures in case of lightning.

• Preventative measures not only improve safety may also reduce litigation and insurance costs.

How can golfers avoid accidents?

Golfers themselves can minimize injury risks by exercising reasonable care. Practical safety measures include:

• Waiting until others are safely out of range before hitting.

• Shouting "Fore!" immediately after an errant shot especially if they cannot see where the shot will terminate.

• Driving golf carts responsibly.

• Avoiding drugs or alcohol while playing or operating golf carts

• Wearing appropriate footwear.

• Remaining alert near maintenance equipment.

• Following posted course / club rules.

• Reporting hazardous conditions to staff.

Responsible conduct protects both players and those around them.

Conclusion

Whether the incident involves a wayward golf ball, a golf cart collision, a slip-and-fall, defective equipment, or unsafe course conditions, determining liability requires a careful analysis of negligence, premises liability, assumption of risk, comparative fault, and, in some cases, product liability principles.

For legal practitioners, insurers, and injured parties alike, success in a golf course accident claim depends on a thorough investigation, preservation of evidence, and a clear understanding of the applicable legal framework.

Ultimately many golf course accidents are preventable.